More or less a year ago, I was perusing the book section (usually quite dreary) at "Ross Dress for Less" and spotted Once Upon a Tart by Frank Mentesana and Jerome Audureau for $6.99. I purchased it, skimmed its contents, and stuck it in my bookshelf where it remained untouched until a couple of weeks ago, when Ivonne from Cream Puffs in Venice sang its praises. My interest re-piqued, I pulled the book from the dust and agreed to participate in a cross-post (along with Alanna from A Veggie Venture, and Liza of French Toast), where we all would make the same recipe - the delicious-sounding Roasted Red Pepper Tart with Olive Tapenade- and then write about it.
Due to the heat (95 in the shade as of noon today) and the emotional exhaustion of having a very sick family member, I must say that baking 'n' blogging was the last thing I felt like doing when I woke up this morning, but it has turned out to be a welcome distraction (food as solace, sympathy, support? hmmm). Thankfully, the ladies at the other sites have given a crack account of the process and even provide the recipe.
The Result
I followed the book's instructions as written- save a large pinch of cocoa powder and an anchovy to the olive mixture - and the finished product is very tasty. Perhaps too rich and salty for a day this warm, but deeply flavored with caramelized bits of pepper and onion, lush and briny caponata, basil-flecked custard, and a crisp, buttery crust, perfect when paired with a cool spinach salad and a slushy pale ale.
I don't make many savory tarts, but I think that's going to change. Thanks, Ivonne, Alanna, and Liza for prodding me...let's do it again sometime!
Excellent! My mouth is watering in anticipation ...
Posted by: Ivonne | June 21, 2006 at 12:59 PM
Maura,
I admire your tenacity in the face of extreme heat (I feel your pain as it is unbearably hot here in Toronto) and the situation you're going through with your family member.
I'm glad the tart helped. Thanks for participating!
Posted by: Ivonne | June 22, 2006 at 04:42 AM
it sounds delicious, right down to the beer (and i don't even like beer too much) and the spinach salad. perfect for a hot summer day!
love mitzy
Posted by: Mitzy | June 22, 2006 at 12:22 PM
Glad the distraction ... and the reflection about food as as source of solace,sympathy, support ... struck the right note.
Posted by: Alanna | July 09, 2006 at 07:26 AM